The Ministry for Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) works with local artisans and people interested in this pandemic through the introduction of the Skilled Apprenticeship Development Programme (PPPK) and the Community Skills Development Programme (PPKK).

MOTAC reported in a statement that both services have been allocated RM3.9 million under the Reskilling and Recovery Program initiatives.

The Ministry has said that work opportunities are being provided to young people, unemployed people, and others to develop new talents with selected entrepreneurial skills for the apprenticeship programme.

“This programme will be implemented through the ‘place and train’ method, where participants will be placed with selected crafts entrepreneurs for six months and they will be provided training to become a skilled employee for the entrepreneur.

“Six projects under this programme have been implemented since Oct 1 which will continue till Mar 31 next year, involving 26 participants according to the types of craft,” the statement read.

Pahang (PPK Royal Pahang weaving), Sarawak (PPPK Songket and Batik weaving), Terengganu (PPK Songket weaving), Selangor (PPPK Ceramiks) and Langkawi (PPPK Crystal, Ceramic, Wood and Batik) and Perlis (PPK Leather craft) are the participating states.

The ministry also said that the PPKK will provide training to strengthen the craft community, to be actively active in the crafts, and to generate revenue.